Lakers Might Goal These 3 Scorching Prospects For Roster Rebuild

With the 2026 NBA commerce deadline set for February 5, the Los Angeles Lakers are quietly exploring roster upgrades. While they could not dominate headlines just like the Warriors or Knicks, the Purple and Gold goal to deal with scoring inconsistencies and defensive gaps which have hampered their season.

More particularly, the group is looking out for Herb Jones, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jonathan Kuminga.

Potential Trade Targets

Per Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, listed here are the the reason why the Lakers may chase these younger weapons forward of the commerce deadline.

Herb Jones – At 27, Jones is a defensive-minded wing whose damage historical past has restricted his play. Still, he might pair effectively with Luka Doncic, bringing depth and perimeter protection.

Jonathan Kuminga – Following uncertainty round Golden State’s roster after Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL, Kuminga emerges as a flexible scoring and defensive choice who can complement each starters and bench items.

Jaren Jackson Jr. – The former Defensive Player of the Year presents flooring spacing with a 36.1% three-point taking pictures charge and a defensive anchor. At 26, he might steadiness Austin Reaves and DeAndre Ayton whereas enhancing total group flexibility.

Lakers’ Current Struggles

Through 41 video games, the Lakers have battled inconsistent scoring and defensive lapses. While LeBron James and Luka Doncic preserve elite manufacturing, the group’s bench contributions and spotty defensive rotations have made potential trades crucial. Injuries, particularly to key gamers like Austin Reaves, additional complicate depth administration.

If James and Doncic are the one ones scoring for the group, they need to search assist from the defensive gamers within the transition. The solely manner to try this is to signal dependable defensive gamers through the commerce deadline. To make it worse, James and Reaves might be free brokers quickly.

According to Heavy, including a 3-and-D wing or a flexible massive man might give coach JJ Redick the pliability to encompass the group’s stars with complementary expertise. While no commerce ensures prompt success, buying gamers like Jones, Kuminga, or Jackson addresses clear roster weaknesses, boosting the Lakers’ second-half competitiveness.